Pre-conference forum in Accra

On the 20th of December, 2011, the Pre-Conference Sensitization forum was held at the British Council Hall in Accra. Present at the meeting was President of AfrEA, Dr. Florence Etta whose visit to Ghana coincided with the forum. Also present were Mrs. Dede Bedu-Addo, Coodinator of Ghana Monitoring and Evaluation Forum, co-organizers of the 6th AfrEA Conference, Professor Akosua Adomako, Director of the Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana and co-Chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee. Welcoming participants and guests was Mrs. Bedu-Addo, drew the attention of all present to the importance of the forum.

From Left Mr. Akunu Dake,
Dr. Florence Etta,
Prof. Adomako and Mrs Bedu-Addo

Dr. Etta briefed the meeting of the history of African Evaluation Association (AfrEA), where it started, how far the Association had come as well as the need for evaluation. She also pointed out that development evaluation has become essential for the growth of individuals, societies, and especially developing countries.

Mr. Akunu Dake, the Conference Manager then introduced Professor Adomako who spoke on the crucial evaluation plays in development and urged everyone to participate in the conference as well as the need for Ghanaians to patronize this great opportunity. She emphasized the emergence of new paradigms and the need to understand these evaluation processes, needs and skills.

A variety of questions were answered by Dr. Etta from the gathering which included invited and special guests, interest groups as well as the media.